The Blog

The Importance of Patient Engagement and Technology in Today’s Healthcare Market

Patient engagement has been a rapidly emerging movement and buzzword in the healthcare industry this year. There have been countless articles, blogs, studies, and educational forums dedicated to the topic. It has been labeled as the “the blockbuster drug of the century”. Some say, “The future of healthcare is being shaped largely by the patient engagement evolution.” Others have argued that no other initiative will have such a significant impact on improving the quality of patient care and reducing healthcare costs. So what exactly is patient engagement?

What is patient engagement?

Patient engagement has become a key strategy that refers to the tools and actions taken by patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to promote informed decision-making and behaviors to facilitate improved health outcomes.

The importance of “patient engagement” has been widely researched and discussed with evidence supporting its significance on lowering cost and improving patient outcomes. What is interesting is that amid all of the industry buzz “patient engagement” is not a revolutionary new concept.

In the business world, it is called “consumer engagement.” Retailers, banks, and other service related industries have all been providing their customers with information, tips and other forms of communication attempting to engage their consumers. For decades, marketers have been seeking new strategies to engage the customer, create better experiences, and strengthen brand relationships all aimed at improving outcomes. Those who don’t deliver are likely to be put out of business by those that meet this demand. There is nothing new or groundbreaking about this strategy. In fact, it is in almost every marketing and business textbook ever written.

Perhaps the healthcare industry is finally catching up with the rest of the business world and recognizing that in order to grow and be successful in a competitive marketplace, patients need more in the way of information, quality, access, and accountability. Read More.